Sundaymail Editor
Elita Chikwati
Matabeleland South province has made impressive strides in the tobacco industry, with 122 small-scale farmers successfully growing 84 hectares of Natural Cured Virginia (NCV) tobacco under the contract farming model.
This impressive feat was made possible by Atlas Agri Private Limited, which contracted the farmers.
The expansion of tobacco farming into Matabeleland South marks a significant departure from the traditional confinement of this cash crop to areas in Manicaland, Midlands and Mashonaland provinces.
According to TIMB, decentralisation has enabled tobacco farming in Matabeleland South.
“For the second consecutive season, tobacco is being successfully grown in Marula, Mangwe District, Matabeleland South, an important step in expanding the crop beyond its traditional strongholds in Manicaland and the Mashonaland provinces.
“This regional expansion is more than a geographical shift, it represents TIMB’s commitment to inclusive growth, sustainability, and national economic balance. Aligned with the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan and the Second Republic’s devolution agenda under the National Development Strategy 1. This development is unlocking new economic potential in this non-traditional region, leaving no one and no place behind,” said TIMB.
Atlas Agri, which has contracted farmers to produce the NCV tobacco, has also established a sales floor, which has been inspected and approved by TIMB and will facilitate marketing this season.
TIMB acting chief executive Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire said the decentralised market reduces the distance farmers must travel, lowering costs and increasing access to markets.
“We are witnessing history in the making. This expansion not only empowers rural communities with income and employment but also aligns with our goals of sustainability and innovation in the tobacco value chain,” he said.
The advantage of the Natural Cured Virginia over flue cured is that the former does not require firewood or coal for curing. Farmers use sunshades and drying racks, which significantly reduce production costs and environmental impact, making the crop a sustainable option.
By removing the need for curing fuel, NCV tobacco offers a cost-effective and climate-smart alternative.
The tobacco produced still shares the same chemical composition and smoking characteristics as flue-cured tobacco, offering buyers a viable, high-quality product.
This initiative began as a pilot project during the 2023/24 season, with 17 growers on 10 hectares, and they produced 9 000 kilogrammes of tobacco.
Atlas Agri (Private) Limited is targeting to increase production in the 2025/26 season.
Farmers are however still experiencing some challenges as they rely on hand pumps.
“TIMB is exploring solar-powered borehole systems to improve seedbed irrigation. Rain and frost vulnerability require farmers to manually protect crops with plastic coverings, slowing down curing.TIMB is partnering with Agritex and Atlas Agri (Private) Limited to conduct field days and train extension officers and farmers in this area to raise awareness and build capacity for tobacco best practices.
“With proper infrastructure, training, and support, Matabeleland South has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry,” said Mr Matsvaire.
TIMB is encouraging contractors and stakeholders to explore and invest in new regions for tobacco production, in line with efforts to promote national economic balance and achieve sustainable growth in the industry.
“By tapping into underutilised land and human resources in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe is laying the groundwork for long-term growth, innovation and inclusive prosperity,” he said.
Online Reporter